Health Hints: 6 Surprising Energy Zappers

If you're sick and tired of feeling, well, you know, find out why your energy levels are so low and vow to make a health change -- or six

The Zapper: Toxic People We all have them in our lives. The Debbie Downers. The Wendy Whiners. The Polly Perfects. Those people you dread talking to, whose calls you screen. They complain incessantly about their problems, gossip ruthlessly, or thrive on making you feel bad about yourself. Call them frenemies. Or toxic. But perhaps "social vampires" is the best name for them, because people who bring you down are basically sucking the energy right out of you. You can feel the mental drain. And the energy zapping is only compounded by how you internalize the interactions -- be it muscle tension, teeth grinding or churning stomach acid.

The easiest solution, of course, is to cut them loose. If your problem is someone you can't shake -- like a boss or a relative -- try limiting contact, warehousing tactful conversation-changing phrases, or gently confronting the situation head on. And be sure to spend time with your real friends and loved ones, laughter will boost your energy.